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shatteredvioletnuzlocke · 17 days ago

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Chapter 20: Rumors Spread Like Wings (Venture)

“Did you die?” Arturo continuously pestered, “If you died did you see any ghosts?”

Venture groaned, wanting to bite down on the Shroodle’s tiny bones. I might as well be dead!

“I.. did…not… die!” he grumbled in a hazy voice, “A human…. Threw smoke at me!” He struggled to form a full sentence.

Arturo just oggled him with bulgy eyes, “If you die can you tell my grandma I almost killed a bug?”

What’s with this kid? Venture thought to himself, He’s too young to know about death, and he’s so casual about it! He loathed how pathetic he looked to the rodent. If it weren’t for that human named Arven, he would have been breathing okay.

“I don’t believe you, Kombucha,” Venture overheard Flumpfy speaking with Tamarind and Kombucha, “You defeated a titan… all by yourself?”

“Well Kapheria assisted me a little bit,” the Lechonk shrugged, “But I did everything else!”

Oh great he’s gloating about it now! Even though Venture was unable to fight earlier, he still saw what went down. Yes, Kombucha fought the titan, that much was true. But just because he thought won didn’t give him the right to retell the battle in his favor.

“You did…not!” Venture aggressively gasped, “The… ava-lanche… took her out!” He didn’t care how foolish he could have looked if it meant putting the proud boar in his place.

Tamarind and Flumpy gazed at him concerned for his well-being and looked back at Kombucha.

But then brazen Lechonk only laughed, “If it weren’t for me the avalanche, wouldn’t happened! Sit down before you hurt yourself, Wolf!”

Kombucha was very aware of the tail he was stepping on and what nerves to pick at. He thought he could read the Rockruff’s pain, and Venture was terrible at hiding it.

It should’ve been him, Venture had every reason to fight a titan after what had happened back at the mountains. His titan starved his pack after they hunted for her! When it came time to hunt for themselves there was barely any prey to fill their bellies.

He remembered the harsh, winter gust breathing through his cave. How he had to huddle with his siblings to keep warm.

His mother finally came back with his sister, Tourmaline, with only one yungoos. It was a moon before the Titan’s Muster would return from their migration, and the pack had the entire mountain’s prey for themselves, or at least what was left of it.

“Granite, please eat this fast,” Mother instructed, “I need your help with one last patrol before sunset!”

Although he and his siblings were young, they had to hunt early. They had no choice.

Granite stood over the dead yungoos with contemplation. Then he noticed his younger brother.

“You have it, Stretch,” Granite offered quietly, “You only had half of a meal today.”

He always thought he got the worst of the names his mother chose for her pups.

He came out from behind the stalagmite, “Mom made me give the rest of my food to Cuesta.”

Stretch knew had hatched at a very unlucky time. He wasn’t as strong as his older siblings or as helpless as the younger pups in his litter. Mother noticed him because of his troublemaking or because he needed to think of his younger sibs.

“You didn’t do anything wrong, she just wants to make sure the younger ones are fed,” Granite explained warmly, “I think you should have this yungoos instead. Mom might want to take you hunting tomorrow, and I’ve seen you run before you’re pretty fast! You’ll need the protein.”

Stretch wondered why his eldest brother had his best interests in mind when his mother overlooked him. Maybe there was something more to him that was worth noticing after all.

“You’re cool, Stretch,” Granite said his last words to him, “Never forget that.”

The next morning Granite’s body was as cold as ice. His mother had to go through the trouble of burying one of her pups and she didn’t bother to even look at Stretch. The only attention he got was teasing and glares from his sibs.

It wasn’t his fault, there would be more prey on the mountains if they didn’t have to hunt for the titan every other season.

Still, if his brother was willing to starve for him, Stretch had some worth to him. He just had to make other people see that and what better way to kill the very Titan that started it all?

“Venture!” Patch approached them in his reminiscence, “I want you to eat every last bit of this, it'll make you feel better!” They placed a sandwich stuffed with Rawst berries before him.

Since his brother’s passing, Stretch wondered how his true potential would be realized. When he was out hunting he would often see traveling humans with fully evolved Pokemon as their pets. Sure, no one wanted to be a human pet. But if Stretch was caught by one it meant they saw something in him.

After spent weeks demonstrating his ability to every human trainer passing by, he was finally caught. Stretch was now a worthy Pokemon now called Venture.

Patch made for a lovely trainer, but he still had to compete with five other teammates for their attention.

“So these Titans are a pretty big deal huh?” Tamarind asked.

Kombucha nodded “Worse than humans!”

“I heard at least four more of them are scattered around the region,” Flumpfy shivered.

Don’t you dare steal my ideas, Pig! He scowled at the Lechonk, the rest are mine, especially her!

“So, they could be anywhere?” the Crocalor frowned.

“I’m sure if we land on Titan territory, we’ll know immediately,” Flumpfy reassured him.

Venture took a bit into his sandwich, chewing into the tender flesh of Rawst berries with a very seedy texture. The mild bitter flavor was irritating, but it was the only way he would be relieved of his smokey lungs.

After most of the team was fed, Patch sprayed a potion into his throat for good measure. He it could tell that it was a more significant cure once he could breathe clearly.

That’s more like it, he thought with freeing breath. With a feeling of relief, he romped around the campsite at high speed.

“Woo-hoo!” Venture howled happily!

“Glad to see you’re doing better!” Tamarind called out to him as he ran about.

By the thirteenth lap, Venture’s tongue began to sag with drool. His brown paws started aching as he slowed down.

“Are you dying now?” Arturo asked the Rockruff again noticing his panting.

The Crocalor “He’s not dying, he’s just tired!”

Tamarind was surprisingly nurturing given how intimidating he appeared at first glance. Venture figured that all fire Pokemon had an affectionate warmth for others, that most seemed to lack. It reminded him of Granite.

…

As the bonfire faded out, the entire sky became tinted in pinks, purples, and blues without the golden glow of the setting sun. Venture stayed far away from the flowing gray smoke emerging from the firewood. Just the scent of charcoal made him apprehensive.

But then he smelt something, usually floral. Something sweet and filled with nectar, but Venture swore he noticed any wildflowers growing.

“Excuse me?” a familiar voice called out from above.

He spotted a Skiddo hopping down the ragged slope with ease.

Once he saw too smaller ones following her, Venture finally recognized her as the same Skiddo they met the night before.

“Oh, it’s you!” He greeted her.

The younger Skiddo kept their distance, wary of the carnivore even though Venture established himself as an ally. Their mother was brave enough to go a bit closer but didn’t bother to stand with him at his level.

“Is your Mareep friend still around?” She asked.

Oh, that's right, Venture jogged his memory, Flumpfy offered her to join the team. He thought about the prospects of traveling with a grass type, well aware of how strong they could be compared to rock type.

“Asphodel!” Flumpfy stumbled over, still accustomed with his new legs, “You’re okay!”

“Flumpfy!” Asphodel marvelled at the Flaaffy, “You evolved!”

“Yeah I know, I didn’t think it would happen so soon!” He walked awkwardly, “Where were you all this time?”

The wild goat rolled her eyes, “I had no choice but to flee with my children. After I rebelled against Crag, I knew I would’ve been hunted by the scuttle.” She said showing concern for her young.

That makes sense, Venture empathized, I was punished to hunt near the rivers for a week, all because I pounced at one of the Titan’s daughters.

“I didn’t have to hide for very long,” Asphodel continued, “The other Pokemon have been gossiping about Crag being killed by Carnelian. Then the next thing I heard Carnelian was killed by a human pet!”

Yeesh, they’re already talking about it, The Rockruff thought, get over it was only a few hours ago.

“Oh, you mean Kombucha!” Flumpfy beamed.

Dude, don't credit him! He didn’t do anything!

The wide-eyed Skiddo stepped closer, “Is he your teammate? I can’t believe it! I… I…” She began to cry, “You have no idea how much he’s done for this Canyon! He saved us all!”

OH COME ON! Sure Carnelian wasn’t his Titan, but if she enslaved other Pokemon into feeding her, Venture would’ve been the liberator!

“Kombucha, over here!” Flumpfy waved him over.

Venture took some time to process the information, If other Pokemon really believe Kombucha defeated the Titan, then maybe… No! I need to get a hold of myself! The next time I see I titan I’ll stab a rock right through their chest. That would be proof!

He glared sourly at Kombucha, What’s your proof?

“It was nothing!” The Lechonk boasted, “I just did what needed to be done.”

“How can you say that?” Asphodel bleated, “You did everything! You saved hundreds of Pokemon from Carnelian’s tyranny.” Venture couldn’t help but think the Skiddo was a little too enamored with the ugly-looking pig, “When she was alive she caused countless sandstorms, we couldn’t see sunlight for days. Her Scuttle sacrificed us for their protection. Some would consider themselves indebted to you…”

She can do way better! Their titan must’ve ruled for so long they’ll thank anyone who “saves” them.

“Now that the Titan’s gone, you can come with us!” Flumpfy invited her, “You’ll love our trainer! I’m sure they’ll let your children come as well!”

But goat only laughed, “Become a human pet?!”

“Why not?” the sheep jested.

“I’m finally free from Carnelian, I’m not going to give that up!” Asphodel stood her ground.

Flumpfy’s tail drooped, “I don’t understand… If Carnelian isn’t going to protect you anymore…”

“You’re adorable Flumpfy…” She smiled, “Thank you for all you’ve and your trainer done. I appreciate the offer but I want to make my own choices.” She leaped back up the slope, “Good luck to you all.”

Just like that, the Skiddo disappeared up the ravine with her children in toe. Venture couldn’t blame her for not wanting to join. After all, she was a mother.

It made him think, I wonder if Mother even notices if I’m gone. She was heartbroken when Granite died… there is no way she would miss me the same.

…

The moon for the night was waning, a shape not worth the effort of howling under. It gentle, pale light shined over the entire camp. Everyone was asleep, but Venture stood awake just case of a wild carnivore wanted a late night snack.

Secretly, he wished for a Titan to arrive. If people saw Kombucha fight Carnelian, does that mean they saw me too. Weak and helpless? He desperately wanted to keep that part of the story from reaching the western mountains. Then his siblings actually would have something to tease him for.

It’s not fair, he looked over at Kombucha snoring. How can a Pokemon as insignificant as him defeat a Titan?!

Just as he when to admire the barley full moon, he saw a strikingly familiar silhouette fly by. The wingspan of the Pokémon was especially eyecatching.

No way, the Rockruff’s heartbeat quickened, it can’t be!

As the shadow glided off into the night, Venture ran after it. A Bombirdier… here? Are they in kahoots with Carnelian?

All Bombirdier’s looked the same from above. But he knew a bird that slender with unusually long tail feathers wasn’t just any other species.

At that point, Venture was straying far from the campsite. He was so fixated on hunting down the bird that he didn’t care how far it was going.

It’s pretty high up… my Rock Throw wouldn’t reach that far, he calculated to himself, If they just landed somewhere low I might be able to ambush!

After chasing the Bombirder for miles he came to a path with slopes of sandstone structured like a maze. The ground had very little sand, more so powdery dust that soiled his paws. The foul stench of feathers was stronger than ever.

The stork swooped down next to an odd locking spire atop a plateau. Too high… he crouched into the shadows. It would be foolish for him to challenge the bird outright and lose his stealthy upper hand.

Suddenly the spire stretched out to the sky, the moonlight highlighting a white, silvery color. It was unlike the

“So what happened?” The rock spoke in an eerily penetrating voice that rang all too familiar.

Cierzo, Venture recognized the giant Bombirdier. Seeing his Titan outside her domain made him tremble, almost like she was following him. The small pup pushed back the urge to whimper.

Is she here for me? Of course she is, I attacked two of her Bombirders before I left the mountain! She’s going to scoop me up and take me back!

The thought of ambushing a Bombirdier now seemed like suicide. No one attacked Cierzo, if they did they were swiftly disposed of. Although Venture feared her, he didn’t forget why.

Mom hunted for you! We hunted for you! We gave you all the prey you could ever want! his claws dug into the ground. Granite would’ve slaved himself to please you… it should’ve been you who died!

The other Bombirdier hissed, “Everything went according to plan, Mother,” his voice sounding masculine, “Carnelian is dead, her scuttle is devouring what remains of her! Who knew The Stony Cliff Titan would succumb to an avalanche!”

“Carnelian always had a soft shell,” Cierzo said without any humor.

So she anticipated Carnelian’s death, what’s this about a plan?

“With that pest out of the way, we should be making arrangements for our new territory,” The smaller Bombirdier squawked gratifyingly, “I can send out a Musker as soon as we return to The Peak.”

“No! Not yet, Tailwind!” She turned away from her son, “It’s too soon!”

Tailwind frantically flapped his wings, “Too soon?! We have an entire canyon of vulnerable Poke-”

“With the Titan gone the members of her scuttle will think they have a right to inherit Carnelian’s status! And there can only be one titan!” She swiftly interrupted with a blood-churning tone, “We allow the Klawf to fight about it until they kill each other, then we make arrangements!”

“Okay… I believe you,” he drooped his neck apologetically “Your plan did get us this far.”

But what’s the plan?

Cierzo raised her neck toward the moon, “You’re certain no one saw you?!”

“Oh I’m more than certain,” He said confidently, “While I was gathering the stones, some humans and their pets fought with Carnelian. Of course, nobody would believe that a Lechonk of all things could defeat a Titan, but it made for a good cover. Besides the Pokemon here are gullible enough to believe anything.”

Just as he suspected, Kombucha wasn’t that strong when he terastallized. It took more than one loud voice to set off a rock slide that grand. It was a setup! Wait until the team here’s this!

Then another thought sliced through his veneer, If Kombucha didn’t defeat a titan, what chance do I have against Cierzo?

“Let them believe whatever they want,” The Titan brushed off, “Let’s be on our way.”

She spread her wings out and revealed her long, spindly legs. Cierzo had a wingspan the size of a crescent moon, one flap could push back an entire forest of trees. She took to the sky, her body so large she eclipsed the moon. Tailwind flapped behind them, too small to fly beside his mother.

Venture's grudge began to flare up once she was farther away from the ground. She’s taking other Titans’ territory and subjugating more Pokemon! He wouldn’t expect less from a Titan. I’ll do what Kombucha couldn’t, I’ll kill her!

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